Shrimp Mozambique is a flavorful Portuguese dish that features shrimp cooked in a spicy and garlicky sauce. A step-by-step recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup beer (a lager or pilsner works well)
- 1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for garnish)
- Crusty bread or rice (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
1.1. Ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined. You can leave the tails on for presentation, but it's optional.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
2.1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
2.2. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
2.3. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Add Bay Leaves and Spices:
3.1. Stir in the bay leaves, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
4.1. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
5. Deglaze with Beer:
5.1. Pour in the beer, and using a wooden spoon, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This will add flavor to the sauce.
6. Add Broth and Simmer:
6.1. Add the chicken or seafood broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6.2. Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly.
7. Season and Finish:
7.1. Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more red pepper flakes if desired.
7.2. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. This will add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
8. Serve:
8.1. Remove the bay leaves from the skillet.
8.2. Serve the Shrimp Mozambique hot, garnished with lemon wedges.
8.3. Shrimp Mozambique is often served with crusty bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Mozambique, a spicy and flavorful dish that's perfect for seafood lovers!